Thomas Flinn 8-inch Dovetail Saw, Sheffield Craft!

Thomas Flinn Pax Taytools 8 Inch Gent Dovetail Saw
$39.99
Well made dovetail saw that gives precise, smooth cuts after a quick sharpening. Arrives a bit dull out of the box, so expect to tune the blade before use.
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07/31/2025 10:16 pm GMT

Specifications

Feature
Details
Blade Length
8 in (203 mm), short blade for tight, accurate dovetail cuts.
TPI/PPI
20 TPI, fine tooth count for clean, controlled cuts in small joinery.
Blade Material
Carbon steel, durable and easy to resharpen.
Blade Thickness
0.022 inches (0.56mm)
Handle Type and Material
Solid walnut handle, 5 in (12.7 cm) long, 1-1/4 in (3.18 cm) diameter, with solid brass ferrule.
Tooth geometry
0.003 in (0.076 mm) set per side; teeth resharpenable. Its tooth pattern is cross-cut style, minimal set for a narrow, smooth kerf and precise cuts.
Weight
~7 oz (198 g), light enough for delicate control while the brass back adds balance.
Replaceable or Fixed Blade
Fixed blade, rigid, stable blade for accurate cuts.

The Good

  • Smooth Cuts: Delivers clean, smooth cuts praised by multiple users, which helps make neat dovetails and fine joinery easier.
  • Precision: Several reviewers called out very precise cutting, so users get accurate results on small, detailed work.
  • Build: Solid construction and a tight handle fit were reported, giving steady control and no wobble during use.

The Bad

  • Sharpness: The blade can be dull out of the box, so it often needs sharpening before it cuts best.
  • Hardwoods: Dense woods may need extra effort or a fresh edge.
  • Limited Feedback: Low number of reviews make it hard to make an informed decision.

What did others say?

We couldn’t find any valuable quotes about this product from other review websites like us πŸ™

Scores

Feature
Details
Score (1-10)
Blade Length
8 inch (203 mm)
5
TPI
20 TPI
2
Plate Thickness
0.022 inches (0.56mm)
10
Tooth Geometry
Cross-cut style
10
Material
Carbon steel
7
Overall Score
–
6.8/10
Learn how we scored it with the help of our tool!

How does it compare with others?

Dovetail Saw
Blade Length Sc. (1-10)
TPI Sc. (1-10)
Plate Thickness Sc. (1-10)
Tooth Geometry Sc. (1-10)
Material Sc. (1-10)
Overall Score
Thomas Flinn Gent Saw
5
2
10
10
7
6.8/10
8
8
4
6
7
6.6/10
1
1
6
6
7
4.2/10

Should you buy it?

Thomas Flinn Pax Taytools 8 Inch Gent Dovetail Saw
$39.99
A solid, precise dovetail saw for detailed handwork.
We earn a commission if you make a purchase, at no additional cost to you.
07/31/2025 10:16 pm GMT

Buy If:

  • You want clean, smooth cuts for handcut dovetails and fine joinery.
  • You value a stable, well fitted walnut handle for steady control.
  • You will resharpen and maintain the blade to reach peak performance.
  • You prefer a fine-tooth saw for controlled, delicate cutting.

Don’t Buy If:

  • You need a razor-sharp saw right out of the box; blade often arrives dull.
  • You mainly cut dense hardwoods and do not plan to sharpen first; performance may suffer.
  • You are skeptical and want to be 100% sure of the quality.

This saw is well made and excellent for precise, small-scale joinery after a tune up. If you are willing to sharpen and maintain the blade, it delivers smooth, accurate cuts; if you want immediate, heavy duty performance without prep, look elsewhere.

If you see any kind of mistake in our content, make sure to reach out to us.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

What type of wood is the handle made from?

The handle is solid walnut. It is listed as 5 in (12.7 cm) long and about 1-1/4 in (3.18 cm) diameter, with a solid brass ferrule for strength and a secure fit.

Is its blade coating resistant to rust or tarnish?

No explicit rust-resistant coating is listed. The plate is high carbon steel, which will rust if not protected.

The saw does have a folded solid brass back (about 1/2 in / 12.7 mm wide) that resists tarnish, but that brass is only on the spine and does not protect the cutting edge.

Expect to oil the blade and store it dry to prevent corrosion.

Is its blade suitable for cutting hardwoods like oak or maple?

Yes for fine joinery in hardwoods, with caveats. The 20 TPI fine tooth pattern and 0.022 in (0.56 mm) plate suit precise dovetail work in hardwoods, but reviews note the blade can arrive dull and cutting dense woods like walnut is harder until sharpened.

If you keep the teeth sharp and work thin or detailed stock, it performs well. It is not designed for fast removal or heavy ripping of thick oak or maple boards.

Is it suitable for travel or field use?

Partly. The saw is light at 7 oz (198 g) and is compact, so it is easy to carry for field repairs or travel.

However the blade is fixed and no sheath or case is mentioned, so you will need a protective sleeve or wrap to carry it safely.

The brass back adds stiffness and balance but also makes the tool non-folding and slightly bulkier than a pocket saw.